This study examines how different slot machine outcomes—wins, near-misses (before and after the payline), and full-misses—affect both autonomic (heart rate and skin conductance) and subjective responses in young adults. It explores how these outcomes influence motivation, perceived chance of winning, and emotional reactions, and whether these effects differ by sex. Results showed that near-misses, particularly those occurring after the payline, triggered distinct physiological and emotional responses compared to full-misses. Females displayed stronger autonomic arousal following wins. The findings emphasize the psychological and physiological complexity of gambling, particularly how near-misses may reinforce continued gambling behavior. The study highlights the importance of considering outcome subtypes and sex differences in gambling research.
This course is based on the reading-based online article, Autonomic Responses During Gambling on Slot Machines created by Cathrine Hultman , Author, Researcher et al in 2022.
Publication Date
Journal of Gambling Studies Apr 2022
Course Material Authors
Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
Cathrine Hultman , Author, Researcher
Cathrine Hultman is a researcher affiliated with Uppsala University and the Centre for Clinical Research. Her work focuses on decision-making under uncertainty and risk. This is her first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Sofia Vandlin, PHD Researcher
Dr. Sofia Vadlin is a PhD researcher at Västmanland Hospital and the Centre for Clinical Research. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry, with expertise in comorbidity, psychopathology, psychoeducation, mental illness, and psychopharmacology. This is her first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.
ami A. Green is a dedicated social worker and addiction specialist with a strong academic and professional background. After graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Master’s in Social Work, Jami pursued a diverse career path in the behavioral health field. Currently a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Jami holds multiple certifications, including Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with a gambling endorsement, Certified Autism Specialist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Addiction. With a passion for supporting individuals through recovery, Jami combines trauma-informed care with specialized addiction treatment, offering a comprehensive approach to help clients heal and thrive.
Recommended For
Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Identify physiological markers of gambling arousal.
Differentiate between subtypes of near-misses.
Recognize sex-based differences in gambling responses.
Availability
This course is available starting Apr 23rd, 2025 and expires Apr 22nd, 2035
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Material Authors
Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.
Course Creator
Jami Green – No disclosures to report.
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
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